• Andrew's TravelsRomaniaTraveler
    Viseu de Sus; The Mocanita
    Vans and cars modified for use on the line are on displayOur steam-powered train uses timber for fuelView en routeOn the trainOur train from a windowOur drop-off point enables a view of the complete train as it moves awayMaramures Mountain hike; logs along the valleyWe had to remove our walking shows to cross the river!Animals seen along the forested pathView down from the steep ascentThis is what a bear did in the woods the day before!Our packed lunch stop at the top of the ascentView back to the Maramures MountainsAnother view from the meadow part of the hike back to the Maramures MountainsThe meadow areaView across to the Rodna Mountains; our hotel is at the base of the ski slope seen in the distanceView down to the town of MoiseiHouse with wood for the winterCrossing the riverEnd of Maramures Mountains hike; A church in MoiseiSki Chairlift; views down and up!Rodna Mountains hike; the ascentViews on the ridge walk when the clouds liftEnd of Rodna Mountains hike; View across to the Maramures Mountains

    Maramures 2; Mountain hikes

    Sep 14–15 in Romania ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    For the Maramures Mountains hike, we drive from the ski complex area to Viseu de Sus at the end of the Vaser Valley and the starting point for Europe's last operational steam-powered forest trains, the Mocanita. The line was built in 1933 to transport timber from the valley to the sawmills in the town. The trains still operate, but mainly for the benefit of travellers. We take the train through the beech and spruce forests as far as Novat to start our hike (only 6 from the group opt for this).

    We walk along a forested valley for an hour before starting a steep ascent along logging tracks - hard work. We eventually reach a ridge and stop for our packed lunch before descending via meadows to a turning off to walk down a steeper path down to the small town of Mosei. Here, our Explore tour guide, Horea, treats us to a beer while we wait for the tour bus to pick us up. It's been a 10-mile hike in the Maramures Mountains, with over 500 metres of ascent from our starting point at Novat (itself 650 metres above sea level).

    We enjoy an included meal of beef stew followed by pork with rice at the hotel after a much deserved shower. We have been lucky with the weather today.

    Our second hike on the following day is into the Rodna Mountains. We take the ski chairlift close to our hotel and then continue with the ascent to join a ridge followed by a long mild descent to meet the bus; it is a shorter walk at 3 miles, with 200m ascent and 1200m descent, and less clement weather than yesterday at the start (it did improve) - the walk was still enjoyable.

    It is then a short drive to enter the region of Moldavia.    Read more